


WoMAN'8 Affection. 



A TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS, 



— BY — 



LEWIS VVYMAN. 



! Nm« 



Copyrighted June, i88g. 



All rights reserved. Ii 

II 




,\ 



A WOMAN'S AFFECTION. 



A TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY 



LEWIS WYMAN 



\ 



Copyrighted, June, i88g. 
All rights reserved. 



-o 



PERSONS. 



/ 






Harley Dighby, 

Helen Dighby, 

Mary, 

Leonard Fairfield, 

Baron Levy, 

Mr. Harland, a 

Mr. Potter, > 

Mr. Long, J 

Policeman. 

Billy. 

Mr. Burk. 

Mr. Turner. 

Porter. 



Merchant 

His Daughter 

Daughter's Maid 

Lover 

Villain 

Clerks 



Newsboy 



TMP92-00762C 



ACT I. 
In the Park. Morning. 

Enter Mr. Harland. 

'Tis now about fifteen years since 1 am in the employ of Mr. Har- 
ley Dighby, and during this time I have seen many a ups and downs 
in every day business life. I have learned many secrets which can 
only be understood by a good business man, and, when used properly 
are bound to succeed. Ever since I knew Mr. Dighby, he seemed 
to be one of the most successful merchants in London. Never knew 
him to be extravagant ; never knew him to be interested in specula- 
tion ; never knew him to be short in his accounts ; never knew of his 
having serious losses ; — yet, at present, his financial affairs are in 
such a state that he cannot possibly straighten them without calling 
on some of his friends for assistance, and by so doing loosen his 
credit, or perhaps astonish half of London by suspending business. 
And then, what will be his future but a life of shame and misery, 
yes, if not a life of imprisonment, for which not even the lowest 
living man could have the slightest desire to taste of. How mean 
and miserable he must be, with such an outlook before himself, and 
too what a prospect there is for his daughter. Unhappy are the 
great, for they may fall, fall a depth from which they, may never 
be able to rise again, and experience a full measure of misery, of 
which no poor man can possibly imagine. Strange how some of the 
most successful men will, and must come to ruin. It is a mystery 
to me how this — 

Enter Mr. Potter. 

Potter. Good morning Mr. Harland. 

Harl. Good Morning. 

Pott. Excuse my liberty, Mr. Harland, but I think I've heard you 
say something about mysteries. Can I in any way assist you to 
clear them up ? Oh ! you are surprised ; a thousand times I beg 
your pardon, Mr. Harland ; I did not mean to offend you — only I 
thought — I am very sorry I asked you Mr. Harland, you forgive me, 
won't you .' 

Harl. Don't speak of it Mr. Potter, it is nothing what ever, you 
only surprised me a little by coming so quick, and really, I myself 
was not aware that I spoke loud enough to be heard by anybody. 
It was only a little scare, that is all. 

Pott. You won't have any hard feelings towards me then.? 
Harl. Not in the least, my friend. Here, let us have a shake 
on it. 

They shake hands. 

Pott. How glad I am. I was afraid I was to lose your friendship. 

Harl. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Lose my friendship, aye ? Why, I would 
not want to lose so noble a friend as you because of such trifles ; 
no, indeed I would not. 

Pott. Are you not afraid that profuse compliment will turn my 
head ? 

Harl. No, not so clever a fellow as you are. I think it takes 
about ten men of my type to turn your head, and it would be hard 
work then, I assure you. But come, let us sit down and have a pleasant 



talk together ; we don't have many such mornings in London. 

Slaps him on the shoulder, and takes seat. 

Pott. That's so, Mr. Harland ; mornings like this one are very 
scarce, indeed. 

Harl. My friend, if you want to keep my friendship so much, 
you must not again call me Mr. Harland. It does not become men of 
our station in life to be so very distant ; why not let us be friends, and 
too, when we speak to each other hourly, and are so much together 
as you and I have to be; so let us be true friends, and never again 
call each other Mr., unlesss it is necessary. Am I a friend of 
yours now? 

Extending his hand. 

Pott. How can you ask me this question ? 

They shake hands heartily. 
'Tis months that I have waited for this moment : — no hour in my 
life seems happier to me than when I meet a friend, whose ideas and 
tastes harmonize entirely with my own, and I have reasons, yes good 
reasons to be confident that you are the friend for whom I have been 
longing. 

Harl. Thanks, old boy ; it does me good to know that there is 
some one who will call me his true friend — some one to trust me — for 
I assure you, true friends I have found but few ■ false ones by the 
thousands ; for whom can a man trust now-a-days ; in whom can he 
confide ? A man's best friend is no one less than his own self, and 
his true friends are as scarce as pearls in the ocean. 

Pott. True, very true indeed. By the way, it seems to me that 
there is something unusual about our employer. He appears to be 
very much disturbed about something. I really fear there is some- 
thing wrong about his business. He has been working hard for the 
last week or so, and always has a certain troubled look on his face 
that tells me that before long there must be a change for better or 
worse ; ye.s, I am afraid it does not mean a change for the lat — . No, 
no, I must not talk this way ; I might be wrong in judging faces. 

Harl. Yes, I have noticed the very action myself, and have the 
very same opinion about it as you have. 

Pott. Indeed ? I hope that there may not be anything serious 
about his financial affairs. 

Harl. I hope so too ; time will tell. This is not a very pleasing 
subject to speak about, so let us change it to something, perhaps quite 
as interesting to us. Didn't I hear you say you was going to a party 
last night .'' 

Pott. Ha ! ha ! ha ! didn't you .'' well I guess you did, and I 
want to tell you all about it too — ha ! ha ! 

Harl. Go on, let's have it ; I am anxious to know about it. Did 
you have a good time .-" Many pretty girls there I suppose, for your 
face tells me that much ? 

Pott. It does, aye ? Well you must be good reading faces, for 
you have struck it just right. Did I have a good time t ha ! ha ! ha ! 
Never enjoyed myself better for a good while. Goggins, you know, 
took me down to his club the other night, and that's the way I came 
to have the invitation to last night's party down to John Turner's. 

HarL John Turner's ? Whew ! You are getting to be quite a 
society bug, aye .-' 



5 

Pott. I thought it rather quite a big thing myself. I kind of hated 
to go there at first too, but I have found them nothing much beyond 
my station. 

Harl. I should like to have seen you among those many girls, 
and all pretty ones at that. Didn't you feel kind of queer, old boy ? 

Pott. At first I did, but I soon got acquainted with them, you 
know. Oh ! that reminds me, too : I have had an introduction to 
one of the prettiest girls in London. Who do you suppose ? 

Harl. I couldn't guess. Not the queen herself, I hope ? 

Pott. No, no. Not quite as high as that. 

Harl. Who was it then ? 

Pott. You know Leonard Fairfield was there too, and — 

Harl. He gave you an introduction to his pride, I suppose. 

Pott. Exactly so. 

Harl. Well, you have the advantage of me there. I have been 
trying to get an introduction to her this long time. 

Pott. I think she is the fairest flower that was ever brought up 
in London. 

Harl. Isn't she though } 

Pott. Mr. Fairfield has made a good choice, and I guess it will 
pay him well to be the son-in-law of Mr. Dighby. 

Harl. To be sure. I am afraid you will set up as a rival to 
Fairfield, and then — 

Pott. Whew ! Is that what you think of me .'' It would not do 
me any good, I don't think. Miss Dighby enjoyed Leonard Fairfield's 
company so much that I really think it would be all in vain for any 
body to try it. 

Harl. How well you noted all these things. I really think you 
like her as well as Leonard does ; so let's talk no longer about her 
else you might fall in love with her. Come let us go to the office 
now ; I think we have about time enough to take a little walk 
through the park. 

Pott. Yes I think we better. 

Exit. 
Enter Mr. Dighby, thoughtfully. 

Again I find myself in the place where I have spent many a 
happy hour, recalling to my mind instances of the past, when life was 
bright and happy ; times that never seemed to have any sorrow or 
trouble for me, and I, the once so prosperous and wealthy Harley 
Dighby, am soon to bid adieu to all the world, with its pleasures and 
comforts. Yet a little while and I must yield to the inevitable, 
must exchange my liberty for the comforts of a prison, to suff'er for 
my evil deeds and treachery. Oh, how true the poet spoke when 
he said : 

" Oh ! what a tangled web we weave 

When first we practice to deceive." 
Sits down. 
What is life, but a living dream, a gratified fancy, haunted con- 
stantly by ever changing pleasures and temptations, followed by 
moments of sorrow and despair, perchance eternal misery and pain ? 
How painful it is to look back upon a life of treachery and evil 
deeds ! Never before have I seen my own life as clearly as I do now ; 
a life that tnight have been well spent, surrounded by innimierable 
opportunities, lying both right and left of my own crooked path. What 



would I not give to live my life over again, to correct my errors and 
make good what I have lost, to do what I have left undone, and 
now be as happy as I might be. [Silent. 

Why trouble now my wounded brain, 
For all my sorrows I am to blame. 

Why did I not — Hush ! somebody is coming. 
Enter Baron Levy. 

Good morning, Mr. Dighby. 

Digh. Good morning, JBaron. 

Levy. It's an exceptionally beautiful morning. 

Digh. Indeed it is. It makes me think of our lives. Business 
men do not have but very few sunny days in a year. 

Levy. No. indeed they don't. By the way, Mr. Dighby, I think 
I have a paper to present to you. As I atn very busy to-day, I think 
you will save me considerable of my time by transacting our business 
now. 

Digh. But this is not the place to transact money matters. 

Levy. Quite true ; but listen Mr. Dighby, and I will tell you 
my plan. 

Digh. Very well, proceed. 

Levy. As I have said before, my time is very valuable, so I 
propose going to my lawyer's office close by, where you can write me 
a check for — 

Digh. Excuse my interruption Baron Levy, but let us hasten 
from here as quick as possible. 

Levy. What is the matter ? Are you sick Mr. Dighby ? 

Digh. No, indeed I am not ; but here comes a man that must 
not see me here with you. 

Levy. Why ! 'tis one of your own clerks, Mr. Fairfield. 

Digh. Quite true ; the very man that must not see me here. He 
is my creditor, and holds documents concerning my business. 

Levy. He your cred-i-tor ? 

Digh. Let us hasten, I will explain. [Exit. 

Enter Leonard Fairfield whistling The Last Rose of .Summer. 

This song has haunted me day and night for the last two or three 
days, and I feel just as one that is the last rose of summer, which is 
soon to fade. Can it be — 

Enter Park Policeman. 

Hello Leonard ! Nice morning this is, aye .'' What's the matter 
this morning — blue again ? 

Leon. Yes, got it again ; can't get rid of it either. 

Police. Ha ! ha! ha! Can't aye ? Well you must have had some 
trouble with your best girl. Why can't you young fellers let them 
girls alone ; don't pay no attention to them and you never will get into 
trouble, never feel blue and always be happy. As true as you live 
those girls are a pretty bad toy to handle. Never knew a feller yet 
that didn't get himself into trouble when he went to make love. 

Leon. Oh, it isn't that what gives me the blues. It is some ill 
omened feeling that's been hovering around me for the last day or 
two ; some strange feeling as though something horrid was about to 
happen to me. 

Police. (Slapping him on the shoulder.) Is that it ? Never mind, 
it will all pass away. Come, cheer up now. Try to be as happy as I 
and you will forget all about it. There ain't but one life to life you 



know, so make the best of it and be as happy as you can be. Well, 
I must be agoing ; be good to yourself ; short life in this world, 
you know. [Exit. 

Leon. Strange, the poorest people are the happiest, and I having 
all I can wish for, feel blue all the time. Can it be that the old 
superstition "misfortune warns its victim constantly", is true.? 
Pshaw ! Not in this case. I, Leonard Fairfield, respected in circles 
of society, honored by everybody, I who holds the rein of his 
employer, and soon to become the husband of one of the prettiest 
girls that ever walked the streets of London, meet with misfortune } 

Impossible ! 

I wish that it was night again, so that I could steal another 
kiss from Helen's rosy lips. [Starts to go.] 

Ha ! Here she comes now, prettier than ever before, too. 
Strange, that a beautiful woman's face makes a man forget all about 
himself. 

What ! she does not see me. Her mind seems troubled. What 
may be the cause of it } 

Enter Helen, thoughtfully. 

Leon. Good morning Helen. Has grief come to you over nio-ht } 

LLel. Oh how glad I am to meet you Leonard. I want to speak 
to you and ease my heart. 

Leon. Speak freely Helen. Do not let me think that you have 
one secret that I may not know, nor one sorrow that I may not share. 
Confide in me and make me happy. 

LLel. I was just going to the office to speak to you. My heart is 
troubled, and I must speak. 

Leon. Let us sit down darling, and talk freely. [Take a seat 

LLel. [Fixing a rose in his buttonhole ] Leonard, you will excuse 
me if I have given you unnecessary cause for uneasiness, won't you.^* 

Leon. Can you doubt it, darling .? [Kisses her" 

Hel. Fve been longing to speak to you about my trouble last 
night, and now I can keep it no longer. 

Leon. Open your wounded heart to me Helen, and I will try to 
sooth it. 

LLel. I knew you would, my anxiety lies there. For the last 
week or so father has been very distant and his mind is very troubled 
Every day he grows more nervous and absent minded, and he seems 
to be laboring under some heavy load upon his heart that he cannot 
possibly shake off. I think there is something wrono- about his 
business. Now I ask you as my true friend, can you telfme whether 
papa is in any trouble about his financial affairs } Has he had anv 
losses, that might possibly ruin him, or has he had any trouble in 
his business of which he will not tell me ? 

Leonard silent. 

LLel. O speak, Leonard. Do not keep me in suspense. Tell me 
the worst if there is anything wrong. 

Leon. Dear Helen, your revelation is very stran^-e to me and I 
really do not know of any serious trouble about your father's busi- 
ness, and most earnestly hope that there may not be any. 

LLel. Oh how glad I am ? 

Leon. I will ascertain if possible during the day aud tell you all 
I know when we meet again. 



8 

Hel. And that is ? 

Leon. To-night. [Kisses her.] And now darling I must be 
going to the office. How it pains me to leave you. 
Hel. I will go with you a little ways. 
Leon. How good you are. 

They lock arms and exit. 

ACT II. 

Interior of Counting House. Private Office to Right. 
Clerks all Busy. 

Harl. I wonder where Billy keeps himself so long. 

Long. Perhaps he forgot all about us. 

Pott. No danger of that. He'll show up as quick as he gets 
good and ready. 

LLarl. But not till then. 

Enter Mr. Burk. 

Burk. Good day gentlemen. 

Harl. Good day sir. 

Burk. Is Mr. Dighby to be seen ? 

Harl. Mr. Dighby is not in, sir. 

Burk. Could you tell me when he will be in ? 

Harl. Sorry, I can not, sir. 

Burk. I was to see Mr. Dighby at this hour to-morrow, but my 
business has so changed that I cannot possibly keep my promise. 
Do you think Mr. Dighby will be in again before the hour of closing } 

Harl. I could not tell you anything about it, sir. Mr. Dighby 
left no word whatever. If there is anything I can do for you I should 
be very glad to do it, sir. 

Burk. No, I think not. But will you give me a sheet of paper 
and an envelope, please ? 

Harl. Certainly, sir. [Gives him pen and paper.] 

Burk. [Goes to the desk and writes.] Will you please give this 
to Mr. Dighby as early as you possibly can ? 

Harl. Yes sir. May I trouble you for your name, please .'' 

Burk. Certain, sir. Mr. Burk. Tell Mr. Dighby I should like 
to have seen him personally, but can not possibly do so. Good day. 

[Exit. 

Long. Well gentlemen, what do you say to going to the theatre 
to-night ? 

Pott. What theatre do you propose to go to ? 

Long. The Star. 

Harl. What is the play to-hight? 

Long. An opera. Faust. 

Harl. Faust, aye ? That's a good one ; let's go and see it. 
What do you say, Potter ? 

Pott. I am willing to go if it is a good play. 

Harl. Didn't you ever see Faust before .? 

Pott. Never. 

Harl. Well you surely will like it then. I think it is one of the 
most instructive operas ever put on any stage. Don't you think so 
too, Long? or have you never seen it? 

Long. 'Tis certainly all you claim it to be, and more too, I think. 



Pott. Well, if it is as good as that I'll go you. Where will we 

find each other. 

Harl. The usual place is as near as any, I think. 

Lo7ig. I guess you are right. 

Pott. How will 7.30 do you .'' 

Harl. It suits me well enough. 

Long. Ditto. 

Pott. And I shall be with you too. 

Voice outside. 

Extry, extry. Dissolution of the parliament. 

Pott. There comes Billy now ; it sounds like his voice. 

Long. So it is. Let's have some fun with him, boys. 

Pott. Billy ain't to be fooled with. 

LLarl. You had better look out or he will make some fun of you, 
I bet. 

Enter BiLLY. 
Billy. Extry, extry. Dissolution of the Parliament. 
Gives Paper to Harland. 

Long. Hello, Billy ! How do you feel .' 

Billy. 'Taint no concern of yourn. 

Lotig. It ain't aye? Well then, how is your mother? 

Billy. The old gal ? She is missing, that's all ; but then she 
allers turns up, she does, and wipes me to rights, too. 

L.ong. That' too bad. I say Billy, can you lend me a sixpence ? 
I am dead broke. 

Billv. In course I kin. Say, look here yer bloke ; don't I told 
yer to stop calling me Billy ? My name ain't Billy ; its William I tell 
yer, and if yer want a sixpence out of me yer must call me Mr. 
William, or yer never will get it as true as yer sitting thare. 

J.ong. Whew ! You ain't going to be Rothschild, be you ? 

Billy. In course I be ; and I don't want no such flat as you are in 
my office, either. [Exit. [Outside.] Extry, extry. Dissolution of 
the parliament. 

J'ott. \Miat is the trouble in the parliament now ? Hav^e you 
read it, Harland ? 

Harl. No I have not. There is something more interesting for 
you, though. 

Long. Let us have it, please. 

Harl. [Reads.] A closer investigation shows a liability of 
250,000 pounds. 

Pott. What is that — another failure ? Who is it now ? 

Harl. Oh, I forgot to tell you ; 'tis Spencer & Young. [Reads.] 
The heaviest losers are : Johnson & Co., Harley Dighby, Frank 
Stone, and a well known firm in Liverpool. No trace has thus far 
been found of either of the guilty parties. They probably have 
chosen the capital of sunny France as their future place of safety. 

Long whistling low. 

Pott. That explains the governor's uneasiness. 

Long. I hope it won't ruin him. 

L^ott. That would be terrible. 

Harl. I think we will hear from it when he comes in. 

Long. He won't feel much like giving us a check for a present, 
I bet. 

2 



Pott. 
just now. 
Harl. 
Long. 
Pott. 



No danger ; he won't write many checks for pleasure 



I bet it won't make Mr. Fairfield very comfortable. 
I am afraid he won't have his wedding right off. 
Don't borrow any trouble about him. He is all right. 
Enter Mr. Dighby. Goes to Private Office. 
Harl. Look sharp boys, the sky is cloudy. [Enter private 
office.] A gentlemen by the name of Burk called to see you. He 
wishes you to excuse him for not keeping his promise, and left this 
for you. [Gives him envelope.] [Exit- 

Dighby reads. 

Pott. I am afraid there will be an earthquake before long.' 

Long. I am going to confession to-night to ease my heart. 

Pott. You need it bad, I am sure. 

Long. Ditto. 

Dighby throws aside the letter. .Silent, thinking. 

Boys, the governor is feeling awful bad, I assure you. 
'Tis not to be wondered at. 
Do you suppose we ever will learn the whole amount of 



Harl. 

Pott. 

L.ong. 
his loss .'' 

Harl. 

High. 
[Reads 



Hardly. 

[Sighing.] My God ! How can 

Papers due Monday, ^^25,000 ; 

lost through Spencer & Young, ^25,000. 

avoided. My time has come. 

Enter Baron Levy. 



Levy. 
Harl. 
Levy. 
LLarl. 
see you. 
Digh. 
Harl. 
Levy. 
Dkh. 



Good evening, gentlemen. 
Good evening, Baron Levy. 
Is Mr. Dighby in t 
Yes sir. [Enters private office.] 



I meet my creditors ? 

Wednesday, ^20,000; 

The crash can not be 

[Silent. 



Baron Levy wishes to 



Admit him. [Exit. 

Mr. Dighby awaits you. [Enter Levy. 

Good evening, Mr. Dighby, I hope you are well } 
Quite well thank you. Please take a seat. 

Clock striking six. Clerks leave office except Ilarland. 

I came around to settle this little business affair we spoke 
about this morning. I tried to get around to it sooner, but could 
not possibly do it. I hope I am not keeping you too long at your 
office. 

Not at all. 

Enter Mary. 

Good evening, Mr. Harland. 
Good evening, Mary. 

Is Mr. Dighby iii ? I have a note for him from Miss Helen. 
He is, but just now he is engaged. Anthing serious.'' 
I believe not. 
Please take a chair and wait till he is at leisure. 

Mary takes a chair close to private office door and reads. 
Here it is. [Hands Dighby the note. 

Baron Levy, I cannot possibly meet my note to-day. The 
failure of Spencer & Young has completely ruined me at present. 
Ever since this morning I have been trying hard to collect standing 



Levy. 



Digh. 

Marv. 

Harl. 

Mary. 

Harl. 

Mary. 

Harl. 

Levy. 
Dish. 



II 

bills, but without the slightest success. Money has played ill with 
me for the last month or so, and this failure has left me entirely 
powerless. Can you not give me two weeks time, say c^% per cent? 
Lev. Not without getting myself into the very same position that 
you are in. 

D/^^/i. I'll give you another note for two months with fifty pounds 
increase. 

Levy. That would not do me much good at present, as the sum 
of your note is already large enough. 

Di^/i. I hope you have not the wrong idea of my business finances. 

Levy. Humph ! Can not Mr. Fairfield advance the money ? 

D/g/i. Don't speak of him, please. He already holds my note 
for /;5,ooo. 

Levy. [Aside.] Now is my chance. 

Harl, Good night, Mary. [Exit. 

Mary. Good night, Mr. Harland. 

Levy. Mr. Dighby, I have a plan. 

Digh. I listen. 

Levy. It may seem rather strange to you, but it will again put 
you on solid ground. 

Digh. Proceed — proceed. 

Levy. The price may seem heavy to you at first, but I think that 
you will not take it too serious, when you hear my conditions. 

Digh. Come to the subject, please. 

Levy. 'Tis this : The price is your daughter, Helen. 

Digh. I don't understand you ; what do you mean t 

Levy. I will explain. For the last two years I have had the 
pleasure of having a slight acquaintance with your daughter. I have 
met her and spoken to her on several occasions, and indeed I have 
learned to love her ; yes, I might say I have been an ardent admirer 
of your daughter ever since. I love her with all my heart ; her face 
has haunted me day and night, and it does even now. I have 
worshipped the very ground she walked upon ; but all this without 
the slightest avail. Make me your son-inlaw, and I can give your 
daughter a home such as a lady of her social standing ought to have. 
I promise you upon my honor as a Nobleman, that I shall do my 
utmost to make your daughter as happy and comfortable as ever 
a living man can do, whose only and constant ambition is this world's 
happiness. Our little business matter shall be entirely forgotten, 
and you will again be the prosperous and wealthy Harley Dighby. 

Digh. [Sighing loudly] Im-pos-si-ble ! 
[Mary starts to listen.] 
Mr. Fairfield is my creditor too, and then, too, he has my consent to 
make my daughter his wife. There is no power in the wide world, no 
temptation great enough, no name big enough, no man cunnino- 
enough to make my daughter break her promise, and make her guilty 
of playing with a man's aft'ections, the virtue she values more than 
anything else. No, no, that we can never do. Never will my dauo-hter 
accept the love of one who is willing to pay so high a price as you. 
Never will she consent to sell her youth and freedom to save even her 
father from ruin ; no indeed, she would not. To go to and from a 
mill is preferable to her pride. 



Levy. Could you, her father, not compel her to accept a lover 
for a future husband ? you, in every way and manner more experi- 
enced than your child. Would not all the world justify you in 
selecting a husband for yotir daughter, one who is considered more 
wealthy as well as more worthy of a lady, as your daughter ? Would 
it not be right for you to give your daughter's hand to the one most 
able to make her future life the happiest and brightest ? Does not a 
father's experience and wisdom amount to a great deal more than 
that of a child ? It is very good of your daughter to be faithful to her 
promise, yet, would not all the world credit her obedience to her 
father considerable more than disobedience, should you convince her 
of the folly of her promise ? Would not any loving child accept a 
well-to-do-suitor's hand to save her father from ruin, and by so doing, 
perhaps, loosen the grip of misery and shame for ever ? Indeed they 
would. 

Digit. Very true indeed, but we must remember that Mr. Fair- 
field is my creditor too, and that means very much the same in his 
case as it does in yours. 

Levy. Leave all this to me, Mr. Dighby, and I assure you that 
you will be as prosperous as of old before many days. 

Digh. But how will, and can you do it ? Mr. Fairfield would by 
no means be willing to give up my papers, and least of all could he 
be induced to let his affianced bride become the inexhaustible 
fountain of happiness of another man's home ; no indeed he wouldn't. 
Too long have I known Mr. Fairfield ; too often have I tested his 
affection for my daughter. 

Levy. Answer me a few questions and then we will see what can 
be done. Remember, that 

Money, man and wit 

Cover many a dangerous split. 

Digh. Proceed. 

Levy. Does Mr. Fairfield keep his papers in any bank ? 

Digh. I think not. I believe he told me once that he has no 
faith in banks. 

Levy. Indeed ! Ha ! Too much self-confidence is not always a 
good place of safety. Many a man has lost his entire fortune 
because of self confidence. 

Digh. Very true indeed ; many a man has been ruined. 

Levy. It might possibly prove true in his case. When is the 
time your papers are to be redeemed ? 

Digh. No special time set. 

Levy. Oh, they are papers given on confidential terms ? 

Digh. Exactly so. 

Levy. 'Tis well, 'tis well. [Thinking.] Mr. Dighby, I have just 
one more question to ask of you, and that is a favor. 

Digh. \\'hat is it .? 

Levy. Will you leave the whole matter entirely in my hands. 
Let me arrange the matter with Mr. Fairfield according to my own 
ideas, and I guarantee that by to-morrow night you will be as pros- 
perous as in years past ; your ill omened feeling shall no longer make 
your life a misery, and before you you will have a future as bright 
and inviting as any man could wish for. By that time I shall have 
your papers, and you must consent to an immediate marriage with 
your daughter on the same night. 



t3 

Mary. Oh ! My God what does he mean ? 

Digh. I can not understand you, Baron Levy. There is two 
sides to that question. You might arrange matters as you think and 
you might not. Suppose we speak of the latter, would not my 
situation be a good deal worse if you and Mr. Fairfield could not 
come to terms .' Would he not be liable to close in upon me as well 
as you ? And then, too, is not my daughter in danger of losmg his 
affections, and so be made miserable forever ; for, to tell the truth, 
I hardly think that after 1 am ruined you can have the same feeling 
toward my child as you have now. You must remember, too, that 
my daughter is the only fruit of my own affectionate wife, and to 
know her unhappy for life would be eternal torture to me. 

Levy. Do not think that of me, Mr. Dighby. Have I not given 
you my promise, upon my honor, to make your daughter's life as 
bright and happy as can be wished for. Do you not think me 
capable of keeping my promises, especially when by so doing I shall 
be rewarded with a life of bliss and happiness beyond compare. A 
life that must be heaven itself in this world ; a life of joy and love. 
Is not this the highest ambition of every living man t Do you still 
doubt my love for your daughter ? Do you think that man could 
make miserable her who is holding his happiness in her own hands ; 
her that is only able to raise his affection to its highest standpoint, 
and transfer him to an elysium of delight ? 

Digh. You talk like a poet, indeed. Nothing would be more 
comforting to my troubled conscience than to know my child to 
be as happy as you have painted, man. I would be willing to 
endure anything only to know my only child happy and — 

Levy. Leave it all to me, Mr. Dighby. Your daughter shall be 
happy, and more, you yourself shall be prosperous once again. Have 
I your promise ? 

Digh. Give me time to give the matter a good consideration, as 
it is a very serious one. 

Levy. We can not waste time. Your papers are due to-day, and 
if I wait two days I might lose part of the money, if not all. What 
we do must be done quick, or I am compelled to turn against you. 
So, I have your promise ? 

Dighby silent. 

Levy. This is very important for you, as your good name is at 
stake, and I can not possibly do any different. Can you give me 
you promise as a man ? 

Digh. You — have my prom-ise. [Aside.] Villain ! 

Mary. What will Miss Helen say to that t Poor child, she will 
be miserable forever. [Exit. 

Levy. And now, Mr. Dighby, let me assure you that by to- 
morrow night you will again be the prosperous and wealthy Harley 
Dighby as in years past. No longer shall you see ruin before you, 
but a bright and smiling future shall take forever the stamp of 
sorrow and contempt from your troubled conscience. Each comino- 
day shall bring hours of joy and happiness, and you will never 
have cause to regret my being your friend in need. 

Digh. I hope so. Let us go from here, 1 am faint. [They exit. 



14 

ACT III. 

Helen Dighry in Her Room, Awaiting Her Lover. Sits on 

A Table Reading, with Her Back Toward the Door. 

Lays down the book. 

I wish Leonard would come. Men are always slow and take their 
time when they know they are expected. There, now, it is not right 
for me to talk this way. Leonard likes my company better than 
anything else ; that' I know and have proof of. Curious, we women 
seem to think a great deal more of those we love than we would of 
ourselves. Oh ! how painful it is to wait. [Goes to reading again. 
Lays down the book.] I wonder where he keeps himself so long .? 
Can he have forgotten about our meeting to-night ? Impossible ! A 
true lover never forgets his love, and Leonard is true that I know. 
Ha ! I think I can guess the cause of his delay. He stopped at the 
Greenhouse or some other store to make me a little surprise, but I 
have something for him, too. [Takes a rose from her bosom and 
kisses it.] This is his favorite flower. He surely will like it, I know. 

The rose, eml)lem of virtue and love, 

Speaks softly of happiness, with tongues from above. 

Its fragrant scent betraying mortal bliss, 

As man will stoop to pledge a passing kiss. 

[Takes up book again. 
Enter Leonard, softly. 
Leon. (To himself.) 

Prettier than a rose on the bush, 

Diademed with sparkling dewdrops 

Reflecting sunbeams manifold. 
(Approaches softly, and kisses her.) 
Good evening, my darling. 
Hel. Good evening, Leonard. 

Leon. I hope I have not kept you long in suspense. 
Hel. No, not long, yet too long. You are well, I do hope. 
I^eon. Yes, quite well, thank you. How is my star of love and 
future happiness ? 

Hel. I am well, my love, and happy when you are present. 

(Takes the rose, and puts it in his button-hole.) 

Leon. My beauteous star of love, my favorite flower. [Kisses her. 

Hel. Why is the rose your favorite flower, Leonard ? 

Leo7i. I was not speaking of the rose as my favorite flower in this 
instance. I meant a rose far superior to any I have ever seen before. 
There is but one specimen of this rose, and that is you, my own true 
love. Your presence is dearer and sweeter to me than all the per- 
fumes of Arabia, and your voice more soothing than the sweetest 
draught. [Kisses her. 

Hel. But why is the rose your favorite flower ? 

Leon. Because its mystery and meaning is sacred and divine. 

Hel. Tell me. 

Leon. Its mystery is love, its meaning youth, and coming from 
you, my beauteous star of love, it is both love and youth indeed. 

Hel. You have words for all things, where I have none. 

Leon And you have smiles and kisses that will brighten the stern- 
est of us men, and kindle a fire of love in the smallest of hearts. — 
Smiles that can make the weariest of men forget his sorrow aud grief, 
and reveal to him a world of joy and happiness. Kisses, that will 



^5 

touch the very roots of a man's being, and raise him to the highest 
standard of mortal happiness ; kisses that can never be forgotten, but 
cling to the memory for ever and ever. You have the power to sweep 
the heartstrings of a man's soul, and raise him to an elysian delight. 
Hel. And have I really kindled a fire of love in your heart .-' 
Leon. Not only kindled, but you have increased it to a sea of love, 
that, should your love suddenly cease to feed it, would leave behind 
it a cinder, that naught but death can withdraw. 

Hel. And you have done the same — 'twas you that revealed to me 
happiness and joy hitherto unknown to me. It was your presence 
and your words of affection that made me realize the highest degree 
of worldly bliss. It was your kisses that revealed to me a new 
world, a world of love and seemingly eternal happiness and pleasure. 
It was you that made my heart swell within me, and sent the blood 
thrilling through every vein in my body, as you pressed your first 
burning kiss upon my trembling lips. 'Twas you that read my 
thoughts aright, and stilled the strange longing that I myself could 
not explain. In short, 'twas you that showed me the blissful sides of 
love and virtue, and 'tis you that has conquered my heart and encir- 
cled it with love's brightest and happiest expectations. I love you 
with all the heart that a woman can give, I love you dearly ; enough, 
there is not a fraction of my heart but what you own. 

Leon. My beauteous star of love ! [hug and kiss each other.] And 
was it really me that revealed to you a world of love and happiness .'' 
Was it my first kiss that quieted the secret trouble of your loving 
heart, and made it rejoice ? 

LLel. It was so, indeed and in truth, and more than this, the mem- 
ory of your first burning kiss wiH cling to me forever and ever. 

Leon. My own true, loving Helen, your confession makes me the 
happiest man in the universe. 

ILel. And your love has made me the happiest member of my sex, 
and often have I been wondering if you love me as much as I love 
you, or if you ever would cease to love me. 

Leo?i. I cease to love you ! you, my only ambition.'' Never! 
If I was an angel this moment, possessed 
My choice 'twixt your love anrl the Heaven of rest, 
I'd slip from my body its snowy white gown, 
And tear from my forehead its beautiful crown, 
To you I should fly, and seek heavens of bliss, 
To hear your sweet voice, and to taste of your kiss ! 

LLel. And I should do the same. I wish I could hasten the time 
when we shall part no more. 

Leon. Only two months more, my darling, and then you are for- 
ever mine, and moments of longing and parting shall no longer dis- 
turb our happiness. Forever shall we be happy, and wrapt in love 
undying and divine, together we will float through all the sorrows 
and pleasures of this world, and lips to lips and eyes to eyes drink of 
desires grown sweeter and sweeter with every draught. There shall 
be no power, mortal or immortal, that can sever the bonds of our 
affection, and happiness undying shall crown forever our union. 

[Kiss each other. 

LLel. By the way, Leonard, have you found out anything concern- 
ing papa's strange acting ? 



i6 

Leon. No, nothing serious only — 

Enter Mary. 

Mary. Here is a telegram for Mr Fairfield. It was just handed 
to me. [Exit. 

Leon. (Reads, pauses thoughtfully.) 

Hel. Is it bad news, Leonard? 

Leon. No, darling, not bad, yet too bad, as I must necessarily 
shorten my call. (Hands Helen the telegram.) 

Hel. (Reads). 'Tis a hateful telegram. 

Leon. Hateful, indeed. How it pains me to leave you. 

Llel. I shall long to see you again soon. 

Leon. Tomorrow night shall see me safe return to steal another 
kiss from your rosy lips. 

LLel. Not steal, but give and make me happy. 

Leon. And now I must leave you. my love, so good night. (Kisses 
her. Starts to go. Returns). How forgetful of me — I have some- 
thing for you, my own darling. (Takes a ring and puts it on her fin- 
ger.) Take this — a serpent, the emblem of eternity ; a ruby in its 
mouth, say a drop of my heart's blood. It will remind you that my 
heart is yours, and yours alone ; that my love is yours, and no one 
can take it from you. 

LLel. Oh ! how beautiful ! It tells me that some one stole my 
heart. 

Leo7i. And gave you mine in return. 

LLel. An honest thief, to steal but what you gave. 

Leon. And what I stole I never shall return. And now I must 
leave you, so good night, my star of love. [Kiss and exit. 

LLel. Good night, my love. (Looking after him ; sits down). What 
a strange feeling has come over me. It seems as if my only friend 
had left me, never to return again. (Looking at the ring). A ser- 
pent, emblem of eternity. Eternal shall be my love for him. A 
ruby, a drop of his heart's blood. His heart is my heart, and both 
shall beat alike while traveling through this journey of life. 

[Silently thinking.) 
Enter Mary.) 

Mary. Miss Helen ! Miss Helen ! 

LLel. What is it, Mary ? Are you frightened .? 

Mary. No, I am not, but I have cause to be alarmed about you. 

LLel. About me ? why, Mary, what do you mean ? 

Mary. Yes, Miss Helen, about you, because your happiness is at 
stake. 

LLel. My happiness! Are you dreaming, Mary? 

Mary. Wished the Lord tiiat I was, but please. Miss Helen, don't 
get scared if I tell you some very bad news. 

LLel. What is it ? Is my father sick or in danger? 

Mary. No, 'tis yourself, Miss Helen, that is in danger of being 
made miserable and unhappy for the rest of your young life. 

LLel. How ? Tell me quick, Mary. 

Mary. Prepare for the worst, and be silent, for your own dear 
sake, 

Hel. Tell me ! tell me ! 

Mary. You are to marry the man you hate worst of all else. 
Baron Levy. (Helen faints.) I knew it would be a shock to her; 



I? 

What mis- 



nonr child to be made miserable for the rest of her life. 
Lv and pain is there that men would not throw upon us poor women. 
wLtfeaTl creatures men can be. But it shall -t be s-f c^an 
prevent it. No, no. Miss Helen is too young and beaut ful to taste 
li the cup of eternal misery and wretchedness. (Gives her water) 
//>/ (^("omes to.) Where am I ? r • j 

^i;^.^ You are safe, Miss Helen, and God will be your fnend. 
JIc'/ Give me some water, Mary. 
Mary. Be calm. Miss Helen, it shall not be so. 
///'/ What shall not be ? . , ,^^ 

Mary ?oor child, she has forgot all about it, the news was too 

much for her. 

Jle/ What shall not be so, Mary ? 

j^rHr°Yr=feV:orTeu"L.oh ten ,„e, for the ,ove 

""Z^: 'l4rslr':,r'"wa.er, Miss Helen, and ,ou will fee. 

/7>/ Thank vou Mary, now tell me all you know. 

S^;.j, You /emembe,' 'you sent me to Mr. Dighby's offiee w,th a 

note, this afternoon ? 

^ry ' Wd^lin Dighby was engaged, and I had to wait. I took 
aslVtciose to the private office doorway and read. Presently I 
heaTd M^ Dilhby sighing loudly, and knew that he was talking wi h 
somebody about you" I started to listen, and after considerable talk 
aboutTuIheardamansaythatif your father promised him the 
hand of his daughter, by tomorrow night he should again be he pros- 
perous Harley Dighby, and the marriage was to take place the same 
Sr I knew it wasn't Mr. Fairfield's voice, and so I opened the 
Sot very caudously, and looked inside. They didn't see me though, 
but I s^w ?hem, and as true as you are living there was Baron Levy 
talkin'tryour ather about your being made his wife. I shut the 
doo a^^aii/ and listened outside. They said lots more which I could 
norunders and, and then Mr. Dighby gave his promise. I waited no 
longer, but hastened to you, to tell you of your danger, and now I 
have had the first chance to do so. , 

^j Did you really see Baron Levy in papa's private office? 
X^v. Indeed I did. Yes, I heard Mr. Dighby call him by his 

"""25/ And are you sure you have heard just what you have told me ? 

Mary As sure as I am a friend of yours. Miss Helen. Only half 

an hS'ago Baron Levy came to your father, and they are even now 

"^;/Thank you, Mary. I shall go and see myself. Mary stay 
here until I return. 



Mary She "oes to see her father; poor child, I hope she won't 
cdmtto'hann "(Goes to the door and listens). Ha ! she doesn't go 
^n She is 1 stening to their conversation. (Returns). Hovv mean 
and w etched Se must feel. What a blow this must be to her dreams 
of fuTure joy and happiness. And, too, what wd Leonard think and 
do should'hey succeed in robbing him of his bride ? Would he not 



3 



i8 

think his love false, and curse her and the whole sex ? Might it not 
result in serious troubles, danger, bloodshed ? Will not Leonard 
thirst for revenge, and risk their lives or his own ? 'Tis too horrible 
to think of it. (Enter Helen.) Have I told you the truth. Miss 
Helen ? 

Hel. 'Tis only too true — I am to be miserable for life. (Sinks 
down on the seat). 

Mary. No, not so. Miss Helen. Have you forgotten the teach- 
ings of your loving mother .'' Was it not her that told you that there 
is one to whom even the greatest troubles of this world are but slight 
occurrences ? Look up, Miss Helen ; your mother's friend is yours as 
well, and He will never forsake you. As yet, not all is lost ; all may 
yet be gained, and your life may yet be one of loving bliss. Trust 
in God, and He will save you. 

Hel. Thank you, Mary, thank you. Please give me paper and 
pen. (She writes). Here, Mary, take this letter, and be sure and 
mail it tonight. Leonard must have it as soon as possible. 

Mary. Indeed he must. (Exit.) 

Hel. My mother's friend is mine as well. (Weeping.) Why, Oh 
why was I born ? Why did I not die in my mother's arms ? Why 
cannot I be happy with her in heaven above ? Why is the life of the 
innocent flavored with sorrow and grief more bitter than gall t Why 
does this villain seek to destroy a life as young and holy as mine ? — 
why indeed ? (Weeping — Starting suddenly to her feet.) No ! for- 
ever no ! It can, it shall not be ! With cold iron we may safely toy, 
but a woman's affection is too precious to be trifled with. Never 
shall this villain be able to hold a key to my heart, to learn its secrets 
and make it yield up its best treasury. Never shall he pride himself 
of having bought the affection of her Whom he pretends to love, 
yet inwardly must hate, because of the price he had to pay for her. — 
Never shall he say that my father's wealth and prosperity was gained 
by giving his only daughter into theihands of a civilized slaver. — 
Never shall his head be pillowed upon my bosom, and never shall 
my lips meet his to exchange a kiss as a token of affection. I can 
and will defend myself with the weapons with which honor and virtue 
will supply me, and — 

*Never! never! shall I break the promise I have made to the one 
I love — never ! 

*To be said standing, in the attitude of an oath. 



ACT IV. 
Interior of Counting-House, the same as in Act II. Dighby 
IN his Office. 

Scene opens with a porter dusting office. 

Por. (Going to leave office). 

Harl. Say there, come back here. 

For. (Returns). 

Harl. Ain't you forgot something this morning ? 

Por. No, I guess not. 

Harl. I think you did. 

Por. What is it ? 

Harl. Ain't you forgot to fill the inkstands .'' 



19 

For. No, I didn't. I couldn't find no ink to fill them with. 
Harl. I guess you didn't look in the right place for it ; you will 
find a whole barrel of ink in the room down stairs. 
Por. I didn't know of it. 

Harl. \\'ell, you don't want to forget it again tomorrow morning, 
Por. No, sir. 

Harl. Here, take this letter to the office, as soon as you can. 
Por. Yes, sir. [Exit. 

Long. I guess he'll never learn to keep the office in good shape. 
Harl. Oh, he will learn after a while. He's kind o' shy yet. 
Pott. He ain't got used to us yet, I think. 

Enter Mr Turner.. 
Tur. Good morning, gentlemen. 
Harl and others. Good morning. 
Tur. Is Mr. Dighby in ? 
Harl. Yes. sir t what name, please ? 
Tur. (Hands him card). 

Harl. (Enters private office). There is a gentleman wishes to 
see you. (Gives him the card). 

Digh. Admit him. (Exit. 

Harl. Will you please step inside, sir ? 
Enter Mr. Turner. 
Tur. Good morning, Mr. Dighby. 
Digh. Good morning, sir. 

Tur. Allow me to introduce myself as Paul Turner. I represent 
Messrs Gardner & Hunt, manufacturers of ladies' dress goods and 
silks,' of Hamburg. We wish to have a representative in England, 
and Messrs. Green & Gowdy recommended you as an able mer- 
chant to introduce our goods to the trade. I should be very delighted 
if we could make an arrangement with you whereby the trade as well 
as you would be greatly benefited. 

Digh. I should like to get acquainted with your prices and terms, 
but I cannot do so just now. My business is very thriving today, 
and really I cannot afford the time to do so. Can you not call on 
me again some other day, Mr Turner ? say about this time next Sat- 
urday. 

Tur. Certainly, Mr. Dighby, any time it may suit your business. 
Digh. Very well, I shall see you next Saturday morning, and per- 
haps we may make an arrangement. 

Tur. I think we will, as our prices are as low as any in the mar- 
ket, and our goods are far superior to a good many. But I must no 
longer take up your time, so good day, Mr. Dighby. 

Digh. Good day, sir. [Exit Turner, Dighby rings bell, enter Harl. 
Mr. HBrland, have you received the bills for the last shipment of 
woolens from Messrs. Fowler & Dalton ? 
Harl. Yes, sir. 
Digh. What terms ? 
Harl. Six per cent by sixty days. 
Digh. When did the goods come ? 
Harl. To-day, sir. 

Digh. Have you taken a list of them ? 
Harl. Not yet, sir ; we havn't had time. 



Digh. Have you an answer from Leslie & Co.? 

Harl. I have ; they accept your offer at thirty days, freight paid. 

Digh. Have you shipped the goods ? 

Harl. I sent them this morning, sir. 

Digh. Send Mr. Potter down to the dock, to take a list of the 
goods. I want it at three o'clock. 

Harl. Yes, sir. 

Digh. Have Mr. Long make out a bill of all imports as well as 
exports for the last two weeks, as soon as he can. 

Harl. Yes, sir. 

Digh. That is all. [Exit Harl. 

Harl. (To Clerks). Potter, you are to go down to the dock to 
take a list of goods arrived this morning. 

Fott. How soon. 

Harl. Right after dinner ; it is wanted at three o'clock, sharp. 

Pott. All right. 

Harl. Mr. Long, you will please make out a list of all imports as 
well as exports for the last two weeks, as soon as you can. 

Long. Yes, sir. Say, how did you find the governor ? Could 
you detect any symptoms of immediate trouble among the crew, or is 
he taking it as cool as usual ? 

Harl. I don't know. He didn't give me a chance to look him in 
the face. Folks can't judge a man's feelings by looking at the back 
of his head, you know. 

Long. No, not very well ; I didn't know but what he might have 
given you an idea by the way he spoke. 

Harl. None whatever, as far as I could see. 

Pott. I think we'll find it out quick enough, if he wants to let us 
know about his feelings. 

Harl. I think so, too. [Enter Porter, gives Harland the mail, 
and exit. Harland looking over the mail ; enter Baron Levy.] 

Levy. Good morning, gentlemen. 

Harl. a?id others. Good morning. 

Levy. Is Mr. Dighby in "i 

Harl. Yes, sir. [Enters private ofiice.] Baron Levy wishes to 
see you. 

Digh. Admit him. 

Harl. Please step inside, Baron Levy. 

Levy. Good day, Mr. Dighby. 

Digh. Good day, sir. Any progress .-' 

Le7y. Yes, sir, something important. 

Digh. I am all attention. 

Levy. Your daughter seems to know what we propose to do. 

Digh. Impossible ! How could she, or anybody else, know any- 
thing of what we spoke about yesterday .^ There was not anybody in 
this office at the time you and I made arrangements. No, indeed, 
there was not, for my clerks leave this place at six o'clock. Besides 
this, they would not dare to listen to what is said in here. Are you 
sure my daughter knows of our plottings ? 

Leiy. Quite sure. And how she came to know of it is more than 
a mystery to me. It seems to me as though some supernatural 
power is playing your daughter's part. 



Digh. But what is your proof that my daughter knows of it ? — 
Who is your authority ? 

Levy. My proof within this letter is concealed ; 

By reading it the truth will be revealed. [Gives him a letter. 
Digh. [Reads], To me this is a fatal letter, 

It brings to naught our plans forever, 
And I a ruined man must be. 
How did you get it ? 

Levy. Be calm , as yet not all is lost, 
'Tis only in our favor ; 
When from your mind all fear removed, 
The victors we are sure to prove. 
Digh. But how did you get this letter ? 
Levy. I will explain. 

Digh. Do so, quick; I fear that we have lost. 
Levy. This morning, 'twas a rather early hour, 
My footsteps guided by a secret power, 
I chanced to stand before friend Fairfield's structure, 
And, like a dream, bethought of my future. 
A strange suspi..cion lurked within my heart, 
And, whispering softly, told me not to part, 
But to step in, and there I was to find 
A link, if lost to me, my happiness would blind. 
And, following the guiding of my vision, 
I little knew the nature of my mission. 
Went in, to find two letters on a chair, 
And both of them friend Fairfield's name did bear; 
My strange suspicion lurked within anew, 
And told me read this letter ere you go. 
I did, and strange to say, we found 
The link that our success shall crown. 
Digh. And I must be a ruined man ? 
Lej'y. Not so, my friend, 'tis all in our favor. 
Digh. I can't see how. 
Levy. Simply enough — 

We alter the letter, and then we put 
It back where I have found it ; 
By doing this we too do know 
The plans the lovers will pursue. 
And Fairfield, free of all suspicion. 
Is quickly to submission driven. 
Digh. How will you do it ? I don't understand you. 
Levy. We will alter the time to half an hour earlier, that is half 
past eight, and your daughter will not expect Fairfield till nine. 
When Mr. Fairfield crosses the roof you will hear the noise ; you are 
alarmed about your daughter's safety, and go to her room ; I happen 
to be your guest, and naturally follow you ; you see Fairfield in the 
act of climbing through the window ; you are enraged because of his 
conduct, and forbid him your house forever ; you demand your 
daughter to marry me to pay for her uncivil behavior. She will be 
taken completely by surprise, and will easily submit. I persuade 
you to be calm, but you are stern, and send for a minister, who will 
be waiting outside. The marriage takes place, and you will again be 



22 

the prosperous and wealthy Harley Dighby, as in years past. Now, 
what do you say ? [Dighby silent.] I think we shall accomplish 
our object as cute as any man could do it. What do you say ? 

Digh. Do as you proposed. I could not look at it in this way 
when you first gave me the letter, and I really thought we had been 
plotting in vain and lost all. 

Levy. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Two heads are better than one, you know. 
[Alters the letter.] It is done, and we shall be victorious. 

Digh. Read it to me. 

Levy. [Reads the letter.] 

Dear Leonard : 

Come to me tomorrow night, and be prepared for an elope- 
ment. We must do this to save my honor, as well as myself from eternal misery and 
grief. If you love me, do not fail tocome. Come to my room over the roof, through 
the window to the right, at half past eight o'clock, sharp and safe. 

Your ever faithful 

Helen. 

Digh. It is good ; it will work. 

Levy. To be sure, all the chances are in our favor. 

Digh. Have you the papers .-* 

Levy. I have. 

Digh. Let me have them. 

Levy. Not till your daughter is my wife. 

Digh. She shall be. 

Levy. I hope so ; but not till then. 

Digh. Very well. Take the letter back as soon as you can pos- 
sibly do it. 

Levy. And that is now. When we meet again I shall be made 
your son-in-law. 

Digh. If everything goes well. 

Levy. It will, and you will be as prosperous as of old. 

Digh. Be on time, and have everything in readiness. 

Levy. Depend on me, and all shall be well. Adieu. [Exit. 

Digh. Ha ! My future son-in-law ! your wife will not be as easily 
won as you think. Ha! ha! ha! You never got those papers 
through honest dealings. I have you completely in my power, and 
you shall hear from me again. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 



ACT V. 

Helen Dighby's Room, Dimly Lighted. 
[Enter Helen, softly.] 
Hel. All is well. Leonard will be here soon, and within ten hours 
I shall be the wife of him who truly loves me. In vain they have 
brewed me misfortune — in vain they have exercised their villainous 
brains to their utmost capacity, only to find their treacherous plans 
ruined by a helpless woman. In vain they have sought to rob me of 
mine honor, and change a life of virtue and innocence to one of mis- 
ery and grief. Shame and a stained name shall be the reward of 
their villainy as long as they live, and no more shall they be able to 
hold up their heads like men whose lives are crowned with a pure, 
spotless conscience, and whose very presence is one of expectant 



23 

rhapsody. True, 'tis sweet to live in wealth and luxury — it is grand 
to be respected by everybody because of wealth — it is fine to know 
one's self to be on top of the golden ladder ot social circles and soci- 
ety — but to be in misery forever is worse than a slow death. I shall 
not be very rich, but I will be happy. Rather poor and happy than 
be the slave of a rich villain, and be wretched and miserable forever. 

Riches never make me happy. 

No name, however great. 

Will dip immortal scales. 

But, if my lot is happiness and peace, 

If I'm content, and do as I may please, 

Yes, then indeed, 

Is happiness complete. 
[Passes up and down the room. Enter Mary.] 

Mary. Miss Helen, be on your guard. Baron Levy has just 
come to see your father. 

Hel. Where are they ? 

Mary. In Mr. Dighby's room, busily talking. 

Hel. Mary, go into the parlor and listen to all they say. If you 
hear anything serious, let me know immediately. Make haste, and 
be careful lest they might hear you. 

Mary. I'll do all I can to help you. [Exit. 

Hel. Ha! Bitter will be their disappointment; they will curse the 
day on which they were blasted by a woman's wit. Live long, baffled 
traitors! live long to adorn my triumph, and set the seal^of guilt 
upon your shame and villainy. The nest they will find^ but the bird 
they will not. Upon wings of love I shall make the 'journey to a 
safer place — to a place where a woman's honor and virtue cannot be 
tampered with, and no rich villain dare to look upon her as his slave. 
[Enter Mary, excited] What is it ? speak ! 

Mary. Prepare for the worst. I have just heard them say that 
within half an hour they will enter your chamber through yonder 
window, and then force you to marry Baron Levy. Baron Levy said 
as soon as you are his wife he will give your father some papers, and 
then all will be well. 

Hel. Cruel ! It shall not be well. Mary, is the cab waiting at 
the garden gate ? 

Mary. Yes, all is ready, only Leonard is not here. 

Hel. He will be, soon. Go and listen again, and mark well 
all they say [Exit Mary.] Ha ! This villain dares to enter my 
chamber in this fashion, and rob him who truly loves me of his hap- 
piness. Do I not know that Leonard's heart beats all in tune to 
mine t Have I not seen the eyes of my adored aswim with passion's 
tears as he sighed his vows upon my breast, and felt my heart swell 
within me as he pressed his first burning kiss upon my tremblino- 
lips 'i Had I not lost myself in the mystery of his soul } Have I no*t 
proved that his love for me is as true as is mine for him .? 'Twas 
Leonard who plead for my love in return — 'twas he who touched my 
heart. 'Twas Leonard that taught me how nature can overcome our 
naked loneliness — 'twas he who conquered and with the golden 
web of Love wove one identity. 'Twas Leonard that cflmbed 
to my heart upon the invisible ladder of love, and there stamped 



24 

his name with his first burning kiss. Have I not pledged my 
self upon my virtue to be as true as only a faithful, loving 
woman can be ? And, now, must I break my promise, to make a 
loving heart wretched and miserable for life ? Must I marry a vil- 
lain to make my father prosperous, and deliver myself into the hands 
of eternal misery to which only death alone can be mercy ? Never ! Is 
it not my duty to give my passion free rein, and make happy him 
who truly loves me — him who has won my heart from me and gave 
his in exchange — him who has laid his entire happiness at my feet, 
and whose love no other but my own can soothe ? Love is too 
precious to be trified with. It shall not be 1 This monster has wiled 
from me my father's heart, banished my love, murdered my peace 
and joy forever. And now he steals hither, like the thief that he is, 
to rob me of my honor, and make me miserable forever. The cup of 
his villainy has overflowed. I will meet him on the threshold of the 
chamber he would profane, and [taking a dagger from her bosom 
and holding it above her head] this shall lay him at my feet, the 
victim of a just revenge ! [Passes slowly up to the window, and 
conceals herself behind the curtain. Enter Leonard through the 
window, cautiously — takes one step.] 

Leon, (softly.) Where is my star of love? Am I too late ? 

Hel. (springing from behind the curtain.) Ha ! What horror is 
this ? [Stabs him. Leonard falls with a choking cry. Enter Dighby, 
Levy and Mary.] 

Digh. What has happened .'' 

Hel. (Turning, sees Levy — starts — goes to Leonard.) 'Tis he ! 'tis 
he ! my heart's elected ! [Faints. Dighby catches her.] Away ! 
You are no friends of mine ! [Takes dagger from Leonard's bosom, 
and runs between Dighby and Levy, who jump aside.] Villains ! 
you have killed him ! Kill me, too ! [Stabs herself. Mary catches 
her in her arms.] 



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